Hunter cabs will double as delivery vehicles as part of a plan to diversify the taxi industry and to remain viable during the coronavirus crisis. The nation's largest taxi network 13cabs, which has more than 40,000 drivers and a 10,000-vehicle fleet, has launched a home-delivery service known as 13things. The initiative has been in the pipeline for quite some time but was brought forward to counter the downturn in fares after the coronavirus outbreak in Australia. "It has never felt as essential a service as it is right now," 13cabs chief operating officer Stuart Overell said. "We hope to give our Australian community piece of mind that they'll be able to access all the things, like medicines and groceries, that they require while adjusting to these unusual circumstances." Mr Overell said the 24-hour service would be useful for cafes, restaurants and pharmacies that have had to change how they operate in recent weeks. "If [it] fits in the car and is legal, a 13cabs driver will pick it up and bring it to the door of all Australians, 24/7, any day of the year," he said. "Once a delivery order is placed, the average pick up time for a parcel is 10 minutes. "We never surge charge Australians for a 13cabs ride, and we definitely won't be surging for your deliveries." Bookings for a parcel delivery can be made via the 13cabs app, the company's website of www.13things.com.au or by calling 132 227.